Straps and method of using straps for holding sinks in position

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to straps and more particularly to straps used to hold sinks in place during and after the installation of the sink. The invention comprises a strap with attachment devices and a locking device that allows for the adjustment of the strap when the attachment devices are attached to hooks located along the edges of an opening cut for a sink. When the sink is installed into place, an end of each strap is adjusted and locked into place by the locking device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to straps and more particularly to straps for holding sinks in place during and after the installation of a sink.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to straps and more particularly to straps used to hold sinks in place during and after the installation of a sink. When installing sinks, there is a need to provide support to the sink as the sink is being installed and after the sink has been installed.

Currently various mechanisms and devices are used to support sinks during the installation process and afterwards. Commonly used is a wood framing under the counter in the area where the sink is to be installed. Wood members are cut to fit the installation area.

Other methods used includes insetting the sink to a sheet of plywood that has been attached securely to the cabinet or a metal sink frame that is manufactured to fit a particular hole size in the countertop. The metal shame is normally in the shape of a rectangular ring. The metal frame has a top which rests on the counter and provision for the sinks to be held by lugs attached to the frame.

Alternatively, inventions like U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,206 to Sather discloses sink supports which consists of a cross member with a mounting bracket on each end. The brackets are designed to rest on the top edge of the vertical element supporting the countertop. Adjustment screws are provided in the cross member for aligning the sink with the countertop.

The present invention provides a simple, sturdy, and easy means for installing sinks. Multiple straps of the present invention, along with the locking device, provide the ability to add tension to the strap for easy installation and removal. Additionally, because of it's simplicity one person can use the present invention to install a sink.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to straps and more particularly to straps used to hold sinks in place during and after the installation of a sink. The invention comprises a strap with attachment devices and a locking device that allows for the adjustment of the strap when the attachment devices are attached to hooks located along the edges of the opening cut for the sink. When the sink is installed in the opening, an end of the strap is pulled and locked into the locking device when proper adjustment is made.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a view of the strap of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view of the hook mechanism and the strap of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the hook mechanism as attached to a counter.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the hook mechanism as attached to a counter.

FIG. 5 is a view of the opening with the strap of the present invention installed.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a sink installed using the strap of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is the strap of the present invention with supporting straps in between.

FIG. 8 is the strap of the present invention installed for a round sink.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the strap with a round sink installed.

FIG. 10 is the strap of the present invention with a ratchet locking device.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   100 . . . Strap -   110 . . . Strap piece -   120 . . . Attaching mean -   130 . . . Attaching mean -   140 . . . Locking device -   200 . . . Hook device -   700 . . . Extra strap material -   710 . . . Additional strap material

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

We now discuss the invention in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 through 10. Turning to FIG. 1, the strap 100 of the present invention is shown with strap piece 110, attaching mean 120, attaching mean 130, and locking device 140. Strap 100 comprises strap piece 110 which is made of a length of material such as plastic, rubber, or nylon of sufficient strength and length to hold a sink and span the distance of the opening that has been cut to hold a sink. Strap 100 should also be of sufficient length to allow for its adjustment after the sink is installed into the opening that has been prepared for receiving the sink.

Strap 100 on a first end further comprises an attaching mean 120. The attaching mean 120 may be incorporated in one end of the strap 100 by cutting an opening into strap piece 110 on that end of strap 100. The opening may be strengthened by including a metal piece such as a grommet or by sewing around the opening.

Alternatively, the first end of strap 100 may be attached to an attaching mean 120 such as a loop, D-ring, or similar devices. The attaching mean 120 is made of a material, such as metal, with sufficient strength to hold a sink in place when the sink is installed.

Strap 100 has a second end further comprising an attaching mean 130. Attaching mean 130, similar to attaching mean 120, may be incorporated by cutting a series of opening through strap piece 110. The opening may be strengthened by including a metal piece such as a grommet or by sewing around the opening.

Alternatively, attaching mean 130 may be a loop, D-ring, or similar devices. Attaching mean 130 is made of a material, such as metal, with sufficient strength to hold a sink in place when the sink is installed. The second end of strap 100 may be threaded through the opening of attaching mean 130 such that attaching mean 130 is adjustable along strap piece 110 or securely attached to strap piece 110.

Strap 100 further includes a locking device 140. Locking device 140 allows for the adjustment of strap 100 when a sink is installed. Locking device 140 may be designed as part of strap piece 110 or is a separate part in which strap piece 110 is threaded through. Locking device 140 may be a tooth lock mechanism, clasp, or buckle device similar to those used on a belt. Locking device 140 may also have an attaching mean 130 incorporated into it and is slidable along the body of strap piece 110.

In a first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, locking device 140 is similar to the mechanism used in cable ties. In this embodiment, strap piece 110 of strap 100 has an integrated gear rack and a ratchet with an open case. The ratchet with the open case, however, is located along strap piece 110 rather than near the end. The second end of strap piece 110 is then passed through attachment mean 130 and then through the ratchet part of locking device 140. The ratchet prevents strap piece 110 from being pulled back.

In a second embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, locking device 140 may be a ratchet device similar to the ratchet system used with cargo. In this embodiment, nylon or a flexible material is preferred for strap piece 110. The strap 100 in this alternative form comprises attaching means 120 and 130, such as a loop or D-rings, at each end of the strap 100 and the ratchet mechanism is positioned along the strap piece 110 for adjusting the length of strap 100 and locking it into place once strap 100 is adjusted to the desired length. Depending on the locking device used, the second end of strap piece 110 may be threaded through attaching mean 130 prior to insertion into locking device 140.

In another embodiment of strap 100 of the present invention, the first end of the strap piece 110 has attaching mean 120. The second end of strap piece 110 is threaded through the non-locking part of locking device 140, then through attaching mean 130, and then through the locking part or ratchet part of locking device 140.

In another embodiment of strap 100 of the present invention, the first end of strap piece 110 has attaching mean 120. Strap 100 further contains a locking device 140 incorporated onto strap piece 110 along the length of strap piece 110. The second end of strap piece 110 has multiple attaching means 130.

In FIG. 2 through 4, hook device 200 is shown. Hook device 200 may be made out of metal or materials strong enough to hold strap 100 and a sink when the sink is installed. Hook device 200 is designed for receiving attachment means 120 and 130.

FIGS. 5 and 6 shows the use of strap 100 of the present invention for the installation of a sink. Initially, hook devices 200 are attached to the edges around the cut opening where the sink is to be installed. Various mechanisms may be used to attach hook device 200 to the counter such as screws, nails, or adhesives. Hook devices 200 are attached such that they are opposite each other across the opening. Attaching mean 120 of strap 100 is then attached to hook device 200. Attaching mean 130 of the same strap 100 is then attached to hook device 200 that is directly opposite the hook device 200 to which attaching mean 120 was attached. This process is repeated for each strap 100 and hook devices 200 until the necessary number of straps 100 are installed. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, four straps 100 are used and installed such that a latticed structure is formed.

A sink is then lowered into the opening which has been prepared for receiving the sink. When the sink is in place, the side of strap 100 with locking device 140 is adjusted through the locking device 140 until the desired support is achieved. The process is repeated for the remaining straps 100 until all straps 100 are adjusted and locked into the desired position. If desired, the extra ends of the straps 100 that were threaded through locking device 140 may be cut.

In an alternative embodiment, strap 100 may be configured as shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, two straps 100 are placed parallel to each other. In between the two straps 100 are extra strap materials 700 attached perpendicular and between the two parallel straps 100. As shown, the extra strap materials 700 are attached a sufficient distance from each other onto the parallel straps 100. Additional strap materials 710 may be attached onto the two extra strap materials 700 such that the additional strap materials 710 are parallel to the parallel straps 100.

Alternatively, instead of being attached securely to parallel straps 100, the two extra strap materials 700 may be attached such that it loops around the parallel straps 100 such that the extra strap materials 700 may slide along the length of the parallel straps 100. The additional strap materials 710 may be attached in the same manner as the extra strap materials 700, such that the additional strap materials 710 may slide along the length of the extra strap materials 700.

The strap 100 configured in this alternative manner may be used for holding round sink basins so that the straps 100 does not slip as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. This alternative configuration may also be used for rectangular basins. The installation of a round sink is similar to the installation discussed above. Hook devices 200 are installed on the edges of the cut opening that has been made for the sink. Attaching means 120 and 130 of straps 100 are connected to each of the hook devices 200 such that attaching means 120 and 130 are on hook devices 200 that are opposite each other. The sink is then lowered into position and straps 100 are adjusted until the desired position is reached. Locking device 140 locks the straps 100 into place when the adjustment is complete.

A kit comprising multiples of strap 100 and hook devices 200 may be made. The kit may further comprise devices for attaching hook device 200 to a counter such as screws, nails or adhesives.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

While specific systems and methods have been disclosed in the preceding description, it should be understood that these specifics have been given for the purpose of disclosing the principles of the present invention and that many variations thereof will become apparent to those who are versed in the art. 

1. A strap comprising: A locking device along the strap for receiving and locking the strap in positions when the strap is adjusted to the desired length; An end of the strap with an attachment mean; A second end of the strap with a second attachment mean.
 2. The strap of claim 1, wherein the second end of the strap is threaded through a locking part of the locking device.
 3. The strap of claim 2, wherein the second end is threaded through the second attachment mean prior to being threaded through the locking device.
 4. The strap of claim 1, wherein the locking device has an attaching mean incorporated into the locking device.
 5. The strap of claim 1, wherein the attachment mean is a D-ring.
 6. The strap of claim 1, further comprising a hook mechanism.
 7. The strap of claim 6, wherein the hook mechanism is made of metal.
 8. The strap of claim 1, wherein the strap is made of nylon.
 9. The strap of claim 1, wherein the strap is plastic.
 10. The strap of claim 1, wherein the locking device is a ratchet mechanism.
 11. The strap of claim 1, wherein the strap has an integrated gear rack and the locking device is a ratchet with an open case.
 12. The strap of claim 1, wherein two parallel straps are connected perpendicularly to two extra strap materials and the two strap materials are perpendicularly connected to two additional strap materials.
 13. A sink installation kit, comprising: A strap with a locking device along the strap for receiving and locking the strap in position when the strap is adjusted to the proper length; A first end of the strap with an attaching mean; A second end of the strap with a second attaching mean; and A hook device.
 14. The sink installation kit of claim 13, further comprising attaching devices for attaching the hook device onto a counter.
 15. The sink installation kit of claim 14, wherein the attaching devices are screws.
 16. The sink installation kit of claim 14, wherein the attaching devices is an adhesive.
 17. A method for using straps of the present invention to install a sink comprising the steps of: a) Installing hook mechanisms around an opening where the sink is to be installed such that each hook mechanism is opposite another hook mechanism across the opening where the sink is to be installed; b) Placing an attachment mean of one of the strap onto the hook mechanism; c) Placing a second attachment mean of the strap onto the hook mechanism opposite the hook mechanism in (a); (d) Repeating steps (b) and (c) for each remaining straps; (e) Placing the sink into the opening created for the sink; (f) Pulling the end of the strap that was threaded through a locking mechanism until the desired hold is reached; (g) Repeating step (f) for the remaining straps.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of cutting the ends of the straps once the sink is in the desired position and locked into position.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein four straps are used.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the straps are placed in a latticed configuration. 